China is ready to take countermeasures in response to the US threat of an escalating trade war, Chinese Commerce Ministry (MOFCOM) said in a statement on Thursday.

The US is making contradictory moves. "On the one hand, Washington is declaring a possible tariff increase to 25 percent from 10 percent. On the other hand, it's spreading around that it's to resume talks with China," the statement said.

“These measures won't work, and will disappoint the countries and regions that oppose a trade war.” 

The ministry also said that the fundamental purpose of the US side’s unwarranted accusations against China is to suppress China’s peaceful development.

On Wednesday, President Trump requested exploring the option to hit 200 billion US dollars' worth of Chinese goods with a 25 percent tariff, because China has refused to meet US demands and imposed retaliatory tariffs on US goods.

Earlier Thursday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang reiterated at a regular news briefing that the United States' efforts at blackmail would fail.

"China's door for dialogue is always open. But dialogue must be based on mutual respect, equality, rules and credibility. Coercing and pressuring others unilaterally will only be counter-productive," said Geng.

"We advise the US side to correct their attitude, and avoid blackmail, which will not work on China. We advise them to return to rationality and avoid impulsive activities, which will harm themselves," he added.

Two Trump administration officials told reporters in a conference call that Trump remains open to communications with Beijing and that through informal conversations the two countries are discussing whether a "fruitful negotiation" is possible.